Middle grade (MG) books, intended for readers 8-12, aim to capture an audience that appreciates thrilling adventures, stories of everyday kids just like them, and everything in between. Writing an enthralling voice and selling it in just the right place and time to hook this audience, however, can be a challenge. In this live webinar, “Writing the Breakout Middle Grade Novel,” you’ll see what makes a success story in the MG market, through examples of popular books from Percy Jackson to Origami Yoda. By looking at these popular books and seeing what they do-or don’t-have in common, you’ll learn what piques the interests of middle-grade readers and the editors who work on books for them.

Drawing on her experience as both a literary agent and a librarian, Carlie Webber (CK Webber Associates) will take you through a brief history of popular MG fiction, show you where the market stands right now, and how you can build a future for yourself as a writer of MG fiction. It all happens at 1 p.m., Thursday, May 29, 2014, and starts at 1 pm, EST. (Sign up here.)

ABOUT THE CRITIQUE

All registrants are invited to submit the first 500 words of your middle grade novel for critique. All submitted openings are guaranteed a written critique by literary agent Carlie Webber.

Please Note: Even if you can’t attend the live webinar,registering for this live version will enable you to receive the On Demand webinar and a personal critique of your material. Purchasing the On Demand version after the live event will not include a critique.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

— What defines a MG novel
— What separates a MG novel from a Young Adult (YA) novel
— What elements make up a captivating MG voice
— How to build a believable MG plot
— What editors at publishing houses want to buy right now
— Why series books are popular with MG readers
— What gives a MG novel lasting power. (Sign up here.)

INSTRUCTOR

Carlie Webber refused to major in English in college because no one would let her read Stephen King or R.L. Stine for class. After college, she obtained a Master of Library and Information Science at the University of Pittsburgh and worked as a YA librarian and professional book reviewer for publications including KIRKUS REVIEWS. Wishing to explore her interest in the business side of publishing, she enrolled in the Columbia Publishing Course. After working for the Publish or Perish Agency/New England Publishing Associates and Jane Rotrosen Agency, she has established her own agency, CK Webber Associates. She is seeking young adult, middle grade, mystery, thriller, suspense, science fiction, and contemporary fantasy. Follow her on Twitter: @carliebeth.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

— Writers who are interested in learning more about MG fiction
— Writers who think they want to write a MG novel
— Writers who want to know more about the present state of the MG market
— Writers who want to learn the elements of a successful MG novel
— Writers looking for suggestions on how to target MG readers
— Writers who have written or are writing a novel for young people and want to know more about the division between MG and Young Adult
— Writers who want to know more about today’s tween audience